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| Ford Focus & General Car Chat Discussion Forum relating to nonspecific Ford Focus models, car purchasing, auto industry news and any car talk. |
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Retired Fanatic
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Ford Focus - General History and Information
The Ford Focus was originally launched in 1998 in Europe, launched in 2000 in North America and 2002 in Australia. Since its launch in 1998 the first generation Focus has won over 60 awards including 13 Car of the Year awards in both Europe and North America and, more recently, the best family car ever (Autocar UK 2003). The Focus was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for five consecutive years between 2000 and 2004. Motor Trend magazine had also given the Focus favorable reviews, writing comments like "As entry-level sedans go, few can touch Ford's Focus on the fun-to-drive front”. North American Market It was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model year as a replacement for the Ford Escort and the Mercury Tracer. It received a revamp for the 2005 model year, and the second generation was introduced for the 2008 model year. Sales in the United States for calendar-year 2007 comprised 173,213 units making it the #3 best selling domestic nameplate car (behind the Chevrolet Impala and Cobalt), #9 best selling car of all cars and #16 best selling vehicle, according to Reuters Top-20 U.S. Sales Scorecard. The first generation Focus was sold in sedan, 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks, and wagon configurations. The second generation Focus was released in sedan and coupe versions, dropping the hatchback and wagon versions. International Market It was launched in 1998 in Europe and 2002 in Australia. Since then, it has become the United Kingdom's best selling car, following in the success of its predecessor, the Escort. In 2001 and 2002, the Focus was the world’s best selling car. A new version of the Focus (Mk II) was launched in Europe in January 2005 and a face lifted version in January 2008. In Europe, South America and South Africa, the Focus replaced the Ford Escort. In Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it replaced the Ford Laser. Focus Manufacturing Presently, Ford uses the Wayne Stamping & Assembly facility for the manufacturing of the Focus. It is located in Wayne, Michigan. The other former facility is located in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The plant in Wayne currently builds all varieties of the car. The Mexican plant used to build the ZX3/ZX5/FocusSVT hatchbacks prior to consolidation of production in Michigan in 2006. That cleared the way to assemble the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ in Hermosillo. Internationally, the Ford Focus is manufactured in Saarlouis, Germany; Setubal, Portugal; Valencia, Spain; Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines; General Pacheco, Argentina; Chongqing, China; Vsevolozhsk, Russia; Pretoria, South Africa; Chungli, Taiwan. Focus Reliability In the US spec models, despite a series of major recalls early in the car's life, reliability has steadily been improving. The Focus received a Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating for 2005, an award that takes numerous factors into consideration, including reliability and recall history, although Lemon-Aid still described it as "glitch ridden" up until at least 2004. Focus Marketing After 2005, the North American version was sold in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin American countries, while the newer European version was available in other worldwide markets. The European Focus II replaced the older model Focus in Mexico by early 2007. Unlike previous small Fords in the North American market, including the Pinto, the Escort, no Mercury version was sold. Overall Sales and History Despite its radical styling (the hatchback version in particular), and some controversial safety recalls in North America, the car has been a sales success across the globe, even in the United States, where Ford has traditionally failed to successfully sell its European models. It was elected Car of the Year in 1999. The Focus won the North American Car of the Year award for 2000. The Focus, unlike the Escort, was never offered in a panel van body style in the U.S.; however, a commercial Focus is available in Europe. First Generation (2000-2007) 2000-2004 Ford Focus ![]() 2000-2004 Ford Focus ZX3 ![]() 2002-2004 Ford Focus ZX5 ![]() 2000-2004 Ford Focus Sedan ![]() 2000-2004 Ford Focus Wagon Information - 2000 through 2004 Ford Focus The Focus was introduced in North America in 1999 as a 2000 model, initially as a 3-door hatchback (ZX3), 4 -door sedan (ZX4) and 5-door wagon (ZXW). A 5-door hatchback (ZX5) version was introduced for the 2002 model year. The cars featured subtle styling differences from the European versions:
2005-2007 Ford Focus ![]() 2005-2007 Ford Focus ZX3 ![]() 2005-2007 Ford Focus ZX5 ![]() 2005-2007 Ford Focus Sedan ![]() 2005-2007 Ford Focus Wagon Information - 2005 through 2007 Ford Focus Changes for 2005 model year included a restyling that’s more in line with the corporate face, an updated interior, new stereos, and new model designations. The SVT is gone, replaced by the ZX4 ST; the Focus wagon is now the ZXW; and a new 136 horsepower, lower-emissions 2.0-litre replaces both the 110 hp and 130 hp 2.0-litre engines of 2004. First Generation Vehicle Data and Specifications
Second Generation (2008-2010) ![]() Ford Focus Coupe ![]() Ford Focus Sedan Information - 2008 through 2010 Ford Focus For the 2008 model year, the Focus was completely restyled, including Ford’s signature bar grill design. It was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. A 2-door coupe is offered for the first time in addition to a 4-door sedan. 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks as well as the wagon were dropped. The interior was drastically redesigned, implementing Ford’s “Ice Blue” lighting for the first time. It also featured a message center on the top of the dashboard, which displays radio information. According to Design Head Lon Zaback, the new Focus "appears to be a little bit shorter and have shorter overhangs. It has a much more sporty appearance because of some of the proportional things we did with it.” New features include ambient lighting, new seats, brushed aluminum dashboards, and the new Ford Sync to integrate electronics into the automobile. The Microsoft designed Sync technology allows Bluetooth connectivity with enabled phones, MP3 player hookups, and voice activation for both calling on Bluetooth synced phone as well as voice-activated browsing of media players, as well as other features for phone connectivity and will also be fully upgradable. Sync is optional equipment on the 2008 Focus SE with an MSRP of $395. It is standard equipment on the 2008 Focus SES. Optional ambient lighting in the Focus uses LEDs placed in the front and rear foot wells and the cup holders. "The driver or front-seat passenger can choose from seven different colors - red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow - by cycling through a dash-mounted switch." Standard equipment will include a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2.3 L Duratec engine is discontinued for the redesign, leaving only the 2.0 L Duratec 20 engine. Power is increased in the 2.0 L engine, up to 140 hp (104 kW) from 136 hp (101 kW), along with other changes to increase fuel efficiency. The chassis was lightened and stiffened and overall weight is decreased by 30 lbs from the previous model. Highway mileage is rated at 35 mpg using the new 2008 EPA standards. Like many compact cars, demand for the Focus has increased because of high gasoline prices in 2008. The Focus currently takes 7.6 percent of the U.S. small car market. To meet this increasing demand, Ford increased output for 2008 by 30%. Second Generation Vehicle Data and Specifications
Ford Focus 'Statement' Editions Ford released various limited edition Ford Focus models with 'added extras' only available on these models. Below is a general description of the statement editions that were available from 2000 through 2003. As for production numbers, the latest information states as follows: Sony Xplod Edition (2000 Ford Focus SE Sedan) - 7001 units - one of which was given away in a contest. Kona Edition (2000 Ford Focus ZX3) - 5000 units - 50% in "Dirt" color, 35% CD Silver, 15% Rainforest Green - 60% Automatic Transmission, 40% Manual Transmission Street Edition (2001 Ford Focus SE Sedan and Wagon) - 7500 units - 85% were sedans (6375 units) - 15% were wagons (1125 units) S2 Edition (2001 Ford Focus ZX3) - 3350 units MACH Audio Edition (2002 Ford Focus ZTS Sedan) - 6000 units Centennial Edition (2003 Ford Focus ZTS Sedan) - ???? units Sony Xplod Edition (2000 Ford Focus SE Sedan) News Article - February 10, 2000 - Sony Xplod Focus - CLICK HERE Extras with the Sony Xplod Edition
Kona Edition (2000 Ford Focus ZX3) ![]() News Article - January 6, 2000 - Kona Edition Focus - CLICK HERE Extras with the Kona Edition
Street Edition (2001 Ford Focus SE Sedan and Wagon) News Article - October 6, 2000 - Street Edition Focus - CLICK HERE Extras with the Street Edition
S2 Edition (2001 Ford Focus ZX3) ![]() News Article - April 12, 2001 - S2 Edition Focus - CLICK HERE Extras with the S2 Edition
MACH Audio Edition (2002 Ford Focus ZTS Sedan) ![]() ![]() News Article - March 27, 2002 - Limited Edition Focus Mach Audio ZTS Sedan - CLICK HERE Extras with the MACH Audio Edition
Centennial Edition (2003 Ford Focus ZTS Sedan) ![]() ![]() ![]() News Article - Centennial Edition Focus Released - CLICK HERE Extras with the Centennial Edition
Performance Versions SVT "Special Vehicles Team" Focus ![]() SVT Focus - 3-Door ![]() SVT Focus - 5-Door News Article - March 1, 2001 - SVT Focus - CLICK HERE Information - 2002 through 2004 SVT Focus In late 2001, Ford's in-house performance group, known as Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus, essentially a renamed European ST170 Focus, to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model year. Ford billed the SVT Focus as the sportiest offering of the Focus to date. Cosmetically, the exterior included unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fog lamps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser and 17" alloy wheels wearing fairly sticky "Y" rated 215/45R17 tires from Continental. The car featured a thoroughly reworked version of the 2.0 liter Zetec engine available in other Focus models. Developed in concert with Cosworth, this engine featured many advanced technologies. Included were a special aluminum cylinder head with enlarged intake ports, high compression pistons and forged connecting rods, piston oil squirters, solenoid operated variable camshaft timing on the intake cam, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header. These additions, coupled with an increased 10.2:1 compression ratio, bumped horsepower from 130 to 170 while still achieving good fuel economy and low emissions. Ford went to German manufacturer Getrag to provide a six-speed manual transmission which is shared with the Mini Cooper S. This transmission was a twin layshaft design and included a dual mass flywheel to eliminate vibration. Other changes to complete the package included sharper steering through an increased boost ratio in the steering rack, larger disc brakes on all four corners and stiffened suspension with larger anti-roll bars. Inside the car was offered with several leather bits including seats, and steering wheel. The shifter knob, emergency-brake handle, and their respective boots are also in black leather. Options included a powered glass sunroof, 8 speaker Audiophile sound system with 8" sub-woofer, a cold weather package with heated seats, traction control, a 115V block heater, and heated side mirrors and, for 2003 and 2004 models, HID xenon headlamps. In 2003 the SVT was offered in the 5-door bodystyle and an all new European Appearance Package for 3-doors only. It included all available options plus full leather Recaro seats and 15 spoke dark argent colored wheels. The exterior was available in two new colors, Screamin' Yellow and Competition Orange. The only option the 5-door did not include were the sideskirts. In 2004, its final year of production, the Euro package was available in the 5-door model as well. Also the 5 spoke wheels were no longer available and a 6 spoke design was the replacement. Production numbers for the SVT Focus Rarest models (by year): 2002: CD Silver with Red Inserts (513 of 4,788 total produced that year) 2003: 5-Door Black with Blue Inserts 53 of 2,173 total 5-Door models produced that year) 2004: 5-Door Infra Red Euro (29 of 1,079 total 5-Door models produced that year) Total Production Numbers: 2002: 4,788 units 2003: 6,158 2004: 3,057 Overall Total SVTF's Built for 2002-2004: 14, 003 units 2005 Roush Focus Information - Roush Focus The Roush Focus came with several packages as follows: Owner Option Package - Owners can customize which extras they want from below.
Stage 1 Package - this package includes as standard equipment the items below.
Stage 2 Package - this package includes as standard equipment the items below.
2004-2005 Saleen Focus S121 N20 ![]() ![]() Information - 2005 Saleen Focus S121 N20 Tuner Saleen modified the Mark II USA Focus into the S121 and N2O performance cars. The S121 includes a 150 hp (112 kW) Duratec 2.0l I4 engine with improved suspension, custom body kit, custom graphics, tire and wheel package, customized interior components, and optional upgraded brakes. The performance boost to the factory Duratec 2.0l I4 engine was achieved by replacing the factory paper air filter with a more freely flowing re-useable air cleaner and by replacing the restrictive factory exhaust with a cat back exhaust system. The N20 offers the same base engine and other improvements along with a factory installed nitrous oxide system that offers a 75 hp boost bringing the N2O to 225 hp The S121/N2O are sold as new at many Ford dealers. There were 200 S121/N2O's produced by Saleen in 2005. The N20 Package includes the following extras/additions.
2009 Saleen Racecraft Focus RC2 Information - 2009 Saleen Racecraft Focus RC2 Saleen is primarily associated with its Mustang lineup, but the American tuner has been known to dabble in everything from mid-engine exotics to humble hatches. Back in 2004, they launched the N2O Focus, complete with a body kit, suspension upgrades, a sporty interior, and a 75-shot nitrous system (sorta). Saleen ended up selling only a handful of cars, and eventually resulted in a $700,000 fine from the California Air Resources Board for altering emissions control systems in the car. Despite the letdown of the N2O, Saleen is launching another version of the Focus, dubbed the RC2, under the budget-friendly Racecraft brand. Based on the Ford Focus coupe, the RC2 features subtle exterior styling changes including a new front fascia, mesh grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. The suspension is upgraded with stiffer springs, shocks and larger sway bars, and larger brakes are fitted up front. Horsepower is bumped by approximately 15 with a dual-tipped exhaust system and cold air intake. Production will start in the first quarter of 2009 and will be relatively affordable at under $20,000. Will this next generation Saleen Focus have more success than the previous version? We think it's got a pretty good chance. Check out the galleries below to compare the Saleen N2O and RC2. 2005-2007 ZX4 ST ![]() ![]() Information - 2005 through 2007 Ford Focus ZX4 ST The North American SVT Focus was discontinued in 2004. Its replacement is the ZX4 ST sedan, which has a 2.3 litre, 151 hp (113 kW) (154 ft-lb (209 N-m) (SAE) Torque) Duratec driving a 5 speed manual transmission (MTX-75 which is the same transmission as previously used with the 2000 on up Zetec engines except with a higher differential ratio) with reverse lock-out. While horsepower is down from the SVT acceleration is only slightly affected, due to the larger differential ratio. The 2005 ST had the same dampers and stabilizer bars that the SVT used, but with significantly softer springs. The ST has a unique interior and 16" wheels. It is also equipped with a spoiler, color-keyed fascia, and 4-wheel anti-lock disk brakes. Handling balance is roughly the same as that of the SVT but has a milder ride due to the softer springs and generates less grip due to the narrower 205/50R16 all season tires. The 2005 ST included everything from the SES package with additional options such as heated seats, heated mirrors, full leather interior, sun/moonroof, and the Audiophile package controlled by a Blaupunkt headunit. 2007 was the final year for the 2.3L engine in the Focus. For the 2006 and 2007 ST's the suspension geometry was changed in an effort to provide a softer ride. Street Appearance Package (SAP) ![]() ![]() Information - Street Appearance Package (SAP) In 2006, Ford introduced the Street Appearance Package to spice up the aging Ford Focus design. This included two unique front and rear fascia choices. The front fascia included integrated fog lamps and side markers while the rear offered a rear diffuser in addition to a large rally spoiler. This option was priced at $1295 U.S.D. Ford Focus by Model Year (Changes, Additions, Etc.)
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Chad (S2) Last edited by S2; 12-17-2008 at 07:22 PM. |
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#2 |
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Retired Fanatic
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Focus Engines Specifications
Focus Transmission Specifications
Focus Body Styles and Trim Packages
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Chad (S2) |
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